On Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, Ray Lyon passed away peacefully after battling many health issues.
Ray led a life that touched many people throughout his career, volunteering and personal family life.
He started off as a young boy raised in the mountains of Upper Lake, Calif., born on Feb. 13, 1933, to Donald and Lena Lyon. He was fifth generation in Lake County.
He lived his adult life in the Sacramento Valley when he moved from Upper Lake to Orland his senior year in high school.
His whole life he was outgoing, loved people, loved his family, served his community and created goals for himself that led him to many of his accomplishments.
At 17, he left home for the first time, taking a train with all his belongings in a cardboard box to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
He met his wife Lois and they were married on March 19, 1954.
At the age of 21, in 1954, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and 1955 he received his teaching credential.
He was proud of the fact that he was elected student body vice president and grand marshal of the Cal Poly parade after being selected as Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year. He was passionate about attaining whatever goals he set for himself.
He accepted the job as agriculture teacher with Orland schools in 1955 to 1957. He then became director of the Yuba City Vocation Agriculture department.
In 1958, the University of California hired him as Glenn County’s 4-H, dairy and forage crop advisor. In 1965, he also became the Colusa County 4-H advisor.
It was during his time as 4-H advisor that he made the most long-lasting, positive impact on children’s lives. He was later given the unofficial title of Mr. 4-H, which he loved.
As usual, he built the 4-H program beyond a regular 4-H program with trips, retreats, a high 4-H program, a mini-member program and a 4-H program for mentally challenged adults.
His family was instrumental in assisting with a wide variety of 4-H events. He loved his job, and he made it a family event.
In 1990, he was appointed by the University of California as acting regional director for Northern California. In 1994 he retired with the title of “County Director Advisor, Emeritus” by the vice president of the University of California.
His community was just as important to him. His many volunteering experiences included Orland High School Board trustee, Glenn County Superintendent Board trustee, Butte Community College Board trustee, United Way Board member, Orland Kiwanis, Glenn County Fair Board and others.
He was instrumental in getting the train, Heritage Trail and Chrome School moved to the Glenn County Fairgrounds. He always wanted to put an old town scene on the back fence at home. He settled for an old town scene at the fairgrounds, and Lois was relieved.
Family was very important to him. He enjoyed being involved in their lives with 4-H activities, family trips and purchasing a cabin in Mineral, Calif., where family gatherings occur. He will be greatly missed.
He was married 58 years to the love of his life, Lois Goodwin Lyon. He is survived by all five children: in Nampa, Idaho – Kathryn Pierson and husband Steve and the youngest George Carson Lyon; in Orland, Becky Brummet and husband Rick, and Debra Cosgrove and husband Jim; in Creston, Calif., Jody Lyon.
He also is survived by his sister, Ramona DiDio, nephews Jim DiDio, Mike Lyon and Chris Lyon, and niece Robin Minic. There are 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother Lena Phelps Lyon Burk, father Donald C. Lyon, brother Russell Lyon and grandson Martin Lyon Pierson, who died as an infant.
There will be a graveside service for family members only at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at the Upper Lake Cemetery.
A memorial service is being planned for 1 p.m. March 24 at the Glenn County Fairgrounds.
In lieu of flowers, he has requested that people donate to the local 4-H Club.
